St Margaret's Hope – Gills Bay
Ferries to Scotland
St Margaret's Hope – Gills Bay
Ferries to Scotland
Depending on the season their are usually 3 daily and 21 weekly sailings between St Margaret's Hope and Gills Bay. Pentland Ferries provides the ferry from St Margaret's Hope to Gills Bay. St Margaret's Hope Gills Bay ferries cost between $52 and $463, depending on ticket details. Prices exclude any service fees. Ferry timetables change seasonally, use our Deal Finder to get tickets, pricing, schedules and availability.
The earliest St Margaret's Hope Gills Bay ferry typically departs St Margaret's Hope at about 07:45 and the last ferry usually leaves at 17:00.
Ferries from St Margaret's Hope to Gills Bay sail in around 1 hour 15 minutes. Ferry duration can vary by ferry provider and can be impacted by weather conditions.
There is 21 weekly sailings from St Margaret's Hope to Gills Bay provided by Pentland Ferries. Timetables can change from season to season.
The price of a ferry from St Margaret's Hope to Gills Bay typically range between $52* and $456*. On average the St Margaret's Hope Gills Bay ferry is $200*. The cheapest St Margaret's Hope Gills Bay ferry prices start from $52*. The average price for a foot passenger is $92*. The average price for a car is $382*.
Pricing will vary depending on number of passengers, vehicle type, route and sailing times. Pricing is taken from searches over last 30 days and exclusive of service fees, last updated July 25.
The distance between St Margaret's Hope to Gills Bay is approximately 19 miles (31km) or 17 nautical miles.
Yes, St Margaret's Hope Gills Bay ferries allow cars onboard with Pentland Ferries between St Margaret's Hope and Gills Bay. To view car ferry tickets and prices between St Margaret's Hope and Gills Bay use our Deal Finder.
Pentland Ferries allow foot passengers on St Margaret's Hope Gills Bay ferries.
Pentland Ferries allow pets on ferries from St Margaret's Hope to Gills Bay. Please also note that your pet may have to stay in the vehicle during the journey.
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| St Margaret's Hope - Gills Bay Ferry Route Summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Departure Country | Orkney Islands | |
| Destination Country | Scotland | |
| No. of Operators | 1 | |
| Operators | Pentland Ferries | |
| Average Price | $200 | |
| Average Daily Sailings | 3 | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 21 | |
| Average Sailing Duration | 1 h 15 m | |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 1 h 15 m | |
| First Ferry | 07:45 | |
| Last Ferry | 17:00 | |
| Distance | 17 Nautical Miles | |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 July 2025.
Most well known locally for the seals that are often found lying on the rocks, Gill’s Bay is found on the north coast of Scotland and serves as a gateway between mainland Scotland and the islands laying to its north. The pier is one of the prominent features of the area, providing the entrance for Pentland Ferries to operate among the docks. In recent times it has become the most commonly used departure point from the mainland across the Short Sea Crossing to the islands of Stroma, Swona and Orkney. The crossing is generally considered the quickest and safest way to get across the waters of Pentland Firth. The sailings on the ferry route run throughout the year and are thought to be a very reliable and comfortable service. Whilst in the area, it is thought to be worthwhile exploring the local wildlife; seals, wild dogs, porpoises are all often spotted among the rocks, whilst even a basking shark has been seen on occasion.
